TASMANIA

Two hundred kilometers off the Australian continent lies the insular State of Tasmania. Its 500 000 inhabitants are mainly living along the northern and eastern coasts as well as in the cities of Hobart and Launceston. This State displays an unexpected diversity of landscapes. Forests cover more than 3 millions ha, but Tasmania also has plenty of valleys, plains and mountain ranges whose peaks are reflected in the numerous lakes. Tasmania is also famous for its rich architectural and historical heritage. The natural landscapes are well protected, and most of them are still untouched, thanks to the resolute action of the environmental lobby. One fifth of the Tasmanian territory is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tasmania also has an important number of Aboriginal art sites. Some of them are sacred and therefore closed to the public, but others, like the Woolnorth Cliffs, can be admired by everybody.